More from Author Doug DeMuro

The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte proves that there is no need to sacrifice performance if you need more than two doors.

The Maserati Quattroporte debuted for the 2005 model year with a sequential manual transmission dubbed "DuoSelect." A traditional automatic replaced DuoSelect in 2008, while a major face-lift marked the 2009 model year. All Quattroporte models offer four doors, V8 power and seating for five.

Today's Quattroporte offers the same 4.7-liter V8 as its 2-door GranTurismo stablemate. Like the GranTurismo, different Quattroporte versions offer different power ratings. Base-level S models offer 425 horsepower, while the top-level Sport GT-S bumps that figure to 433 hp. Both models use a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sport GT-S adds lowered suspension and an Alcantara interior.

The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte starts around $128,000 for a base-level S sedan. That puts it in competition with the Porsche Panamera Turbo and the Mercedes S63 AMG. Opting for the Quattroporte Sport GT-S boosts the base price to around $136,000. Fuel economy is 12 miles per gallon in the city and around 19 mpg on the highway, while 0-to-60 comes in around five seconds.

Pros: Reasonable starting price for the panache of Maserati; engine note is distinctly exotic, unlike rivals; not as common as S-Class, or even Panamera

Cons: Tired design on the verge of replacement; depreciation will be strong, as with all Maserati models; interior isn't quite as upscale as 7 Series, S-Class cabins

What's new: The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte is largely unchanged aside from standard front-parking sensors. A redesigned Quattroporte is due out for the 2014 model year.